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See the person, not the nationality x

I have stop coming on to this site and many others in the last year, in some sites I am not allowed to call myself Russian any more or to have a Russian flag in a profile. This is the World for the moment and I understand the sensitivity for people.

But I am person, not a nationality. And I should not be ashamed of where I come from, of my parents and grandparents who were all good people and who have made me who I am and always teach me to be fair and to be respectful to others.

I open my profile again on stie and is always messages from people to be anti-Russian to me, this war is not me. Also, there is pro-Russia messages from right wing people in USA and Germany and UK - I am not right wing, I am not fascist, and again I say this war is not me.

So please, see the person, not the nationality. My mother's family is from Ukraine and I have a lot of relative is still live in this country. The situation is horrible. Its make me cry every day to think about this. I live in Paris now and have not been home to Russia in maybe 6 months, my mother is still there, my sister and her family - it is not so easy now to go to visit. I have family and friends in all over Europe, this situation is difficult for every body.

I only want for peace to find a way, and for the return to the way is before.

So please don't blame me for the war, and please don't expect me to agree with right wing views.
Rhode57 · 56-60, M
I am so sorry your being treated in this way . I kinda know how you feel . I am Rhodesian and proud but people see me as racist because of what they hear on the news . I am not . You have to rise above it and ignore all the negativity we are not all the same . I feel sorry for the Russian and Ukrainians neither wanted this war . Putin needs to be ended he is another Hitler . Hopefully some how this war will end soon so there can be piece again and the blood shed and death stop .
I can definitely appreciate this, having seen posts branding all Americans "ignorant, racist & gun-happy” based on the views of Trump and our right-winged MAGAs (a vocal minority) whom I despise.

There was a friend, a Russian expat who lives in my city, an awesome fellow whom I’ve not seen here since the conflict began. I know a lot of us miss him and wish him well, hope he will return to SW soon. Like you, he’s proud of being Russian but is not a right winger by any means.

But your post is an excellent reminder that people are individuals, and not everyone agrees with the actions of their government. Best wishes to you, and may the conflict be over soon. 🥺
Thank you for speaking out. You deserve to be accepted for yourself.

I am sorry you and your family and so many other Europeans are affected by the stupid war.

I too hope for peace - for Ukraine and Russia and for the rest of us.
specman · 51-55, M
What views don’t you agree with right wingers? Do you believe that they need censorship because of their views?

As far as Russia goes I do not agree with their actions of hostility due to a leader or government that aspire world domination. I don’t mean the aspiration of promoting piece and prosperity. So with that being said I can only agree with a government that has values similar to mine. Some of the people of Russia might agree with Russia’s government views. Even though I cannot agree with what people think the exact opposite of what I think and value, I will still talk to them .
We are having a crisis in America now and I don’t agree with the radical leftist movements or the way our leftist President is taking this country. I feel like the founding fathers made the constitution to keep this country safe from government tyranny. The problem is our far leftists are amending laws in our constitution. And….I’m sorry for turning the conversation like that!
Back to Russia I think people are thinking that the people that loves Russia or lives in Russia also share the beliefs of the Russian government. Russia’s government is being frowned on in vast regions. They might feel that the people or most people of that country share the beliefs of their government. The government and since the government represents Russia a lot of countries and peoples are against Russia.
Sorry for long message. Just trying not to offend you to where you will either stop reading or stop listening to what I write
carpediem · 61-69, M
@specman I agree with your statements. To take things one step further, I don't agree with what Russia is doing in Ukraine. But I think the smart move would be to try and find out why Putin feels the way he does. And by this I mean what justification could he have to do what he did?

We may not ever know it, but there is a video worth hearing that outlines what his motivation might be. Today most leftists would scream bloody murder at anyone even listening to another viewpoint. Maybe that is the reason I am presenting here.

[media=https://youtu.be/TzgPJeYZaOU]
specman · 51-55, M
@carpediem yes it makes sense that he’s trying to expand again. Though I don’t believe in the war crimes committed by Russia. With the war crimes being put aside. I don’t blame Russia for using the resources that they might have to use in this war. We would use all of our resources if we were in the same spot. I am not to sure why we went against our word on expanding Democracy. I kinda see why we would want to expand Democracy. Maybe I’m too loyal to my word to out right break it for no reason
BackyardShaman · 61-69, M
I’m very sorry you are treated badly, immature people don’t comprehend that the issues are not with Russian citizens but with Russian military and Government.
Ontheroad · M
Thank you for your post and you are 100% right - you are you and people do not need to associate you with your government. Stay strong, you will find many who support you as a person.
alan20 · M
Its refreshing to read your contribution. Of course you're an individual and not responsible for the war , anymore than a person who happens to be a German is for Hitler. or people from so many other nations. I have a great love for Russian music and admiration for Tolstoy, Pushkin Dostoyevsky, and many others. Your stand is both courageous and correct. Stay with us and try to ignore the morons. Good luck, Ana.
ArishMell · 70-79, M
There are many of us who know war is the work of one man and his followers, not of all Russians. We also know there are many families now in an awful situation by being across both countries

We still enjoy Russian culture - the music etc. - and we have nothing against Russians as such, just against President Vladimir Putin.
Laddu · M
No war will last forever and it seems u r ashamed to call urself a russian n u feel like a bad person

its ur thinking that is effecting u
no one can effect u if u dont allow that

As a person who read about this war
how it all started with wanting to be member of nato then not resigning
and continuing a war

the history of soviet union is quite sensitive how it broke apart explains why fear leads to war

its true one attacked the other but why let ur people die just to be in a political office n putting debt as every other day we read about new loan for weapons

people = country will pay that debt over time

infrastructure is gone people r dying for what

great leader worries about people however a politican doesnt

i am sure both sides people in general want peace ur history / forefathers connect u

i find this war odd , stupid n sad
helensusanswift · 31-35, F
Hi Ana. I am Helen and I don't care from where you come.
iamelijah · 26-30, M
Thank you for presenting yourself here. It means a lot to us. Your government war has nothing to do with you.

People are mean sometimes just because what has been potray on the news.
LilPrincess · 46-50, F
I'm sorry you have had such a terrible experience. Not sure why people are so judgemental and stupid. I know people from everywhere and its the person that matters not the location.
cherokeepatti · 61-69, F
People can be so ignorant and paint everyone with a broad brush. I would love to have peace all over the world and be able to travel to faraway places.
SteelHands · 61-69, M
There are no such things as popular right wing or popular lefty views. Global merchants and fascist ideologues are simply creating fake narratives A and fake B. Thence, if you don't pick one to identify with they censor, cancel, banish or badmouth defame and libel.

Jellyfish and worms that suck up to them publicly like Joe Rohaan are permitted success. Those who take their bribes like Mr. Bleets are made into saints.

No problem. Most of us hate how they've created excuses for killing and bombing.
Morrowind · 26-30, M
I don’t have this view of Russian people and never did. I hate that people have begun to act this way.
bookerdana · M
I agree...people tend to be tribal ...and we ALL want peace
SW-User
I’m not really sure why you need to let people know of your nationality especially if living in a different country to it. A lot of people don’t ask but many people on here do. Just say you’re French, half Ukrainian or half Russian.
@SW-User But why should she have to lie ? She hasn’t harmed anyone. 🥺
SW-User
@bijouxbroussard I didn’t say she had to lie just don’t tell anyone of her nationality. I don’t go around telling anyone mine.
@SW-User Yeah, but I got the impression she wasn’t volunteering it, but was asked. Your suggestion that she claim something else would only make sense if she were ashamed. She has no reason to be—she hasn’t harmed anyone.
DrWatson · 70-79, M
Thank you for posting this. It is something that people need to be reminded of over and over again.

In the US, which has become home to people from all over the world, we have had a sad history of how we treat our fellow Americans if they are immigrants or have descended from immigrants from whatever country we are angry at at the time.

Covid seems to have originated in China, and suddenly Chinese Americans are the targets of hate.
Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, and Japanese Americans were locked up.
After 9/11, Muslim Americans became targets of hate.

I have known Chinese Americans, Japanese Americans, and Muslim Americans, and none of them would associate themselves with hostility toward this country.

I wonder how many Russians your haters have actually known?
diablo · 51-55, M
Ana, as you can see, many members feel the same and we would hate to lose you as a member. Our online community needs more voices to speak up about this horrible war, especially those Russians who hate czar vladdy (I never capitalize his name) as much as we do.
ViciDraco · 36-40, M
I do not blame the Russian people for the failures of their leaders. As a citizen of the US my own government has performed a number of horrid military invasions.

If you believe the war should end and Russia should unequivocally void the illegal annexations and withdraw all military forces from Ukrainian territory. Then you are not only a good person, but also a strong person for resisting the propaganda engines our governments run against us.
exexec · 61-69, C
I am sorry you are having to deal with people who are unkind to you. My neighbor is from Russia, and her mother still lives in Moscow. Another Russian lady lives down the street and is quite friendly as we meet each other walking our dogs.
4meAndyou · F
I agree. You are just a person. You have nothing to do with the present policies of your government, just as we, in the United States, have nothing to do with what is going on in Washington.

It's out of our control.
SunshineGirl · 36-40, F
Unfortunately it is human nature to be lazy and over-simplify complicated issues. I am sorry that you are separated from your family and for any unwarranted prejudice that you face. Be proud of who you are 💖
DeWayfarer · 61-69, M
I totally understand and sympathize. While there are many that will not separate the nationality from the person, I definitely am not one of them.

You are more than welcome here.
RileyDay1993 · 31-35, M
Don't Ever Feel bad over America and all its sheep.
Freedom is a hoax.
They are Evil and love to harm and Lie.
To Children especially. To steal from children.
Speaks a lot on how tough they are.

Their citizens are essentially living an entire lie.
Cant fight their way out of a paper bag.
And at the moment are waiting on their moment
When they cant lie anymore
When its described so well... and send Troops.
They dont have any right now
and its beautiful

Ironically most of the American hating Americans see something in Russia.

Sunflowers, rainbows and ATM's to you too, good sir.
acpguy · C
My wife and I have very good fiends that immigrated from Russia about five years ago and super nice guy from India that adopted us as his American Mom and Dad, along with a Nigerian lady that visits often. We really like all of them and they are always welcome in our home. What is surprising is that all of them turned Republican after arriving and when they received their legal citizenship voted for Trump and have a very strong dislike of liberals as they view them as communists / socialists.
Funlov · M
Who cares if you’re Russian, you didn’t start the war in the war takes two sides always takes two but no, it’s your fault
Teirdalin · 31-35
Hopefully Putin will be overthrown by his own people or bodyguards, and peace will return.
@Teirdalin One of those famous cups of radioactive tea would do the trick!!
walabby · M
I am totally anti-Putin, but not anti-Russian. Hopefully this dreadful situation will be over soon.. ❤️
Virgo79 · 61-69, M
Everyone should honor their flag and their country as they wish.
olderuncle944 · 70-79, M
It is a shame you have to deal with all that its very unfair to you .
justanothername · 51-55, M
I know that you would face death or excile if you were to stand up and voice your disapproval of Putin
As far as your comrade Vladimir Putin is concerned you are merely sacrificing yourself for own martyrdom.

Life may suck being a Russian citizen but I’m pretty sure it is much harder for Ukraine.
carpediem · 61-69, M
You are completely correct.
Magnolia21 · 22-25, F
Both sides of the US polititard spectrum have nutjobs supporting putin. No, it's not on you, but as you are russian, you will carry the stigma until it's over. Just the way of the world.
hippyjoe1955 · 61-69, M
Personally I don't blame Russia or Russians or even the Russian politicians. I blame the US and there utterly corrupt politicians and bureaucrats.
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MadraLaska · 31-35, F
Emjay · 18-21, F
It's not your fault you have such a foolish and wicked government.
Khenpal1 · M
45 mill , Russians lives as rats , whom you blain ?
This post is so sad. I am sorry you feel this way.
SW-User
I hear you

It’s like not loving Mikhail Baryshnikov anymore bc he’s a Russian dancer … nah he will always be a beautiful dancer to me, keep going 😌 💕

[image/video deleted]
SW-User
The only Russians i can't stand are Putin his henchmen and supporters after what your country has done to Ukraine it's not surprising Innocent Russians are suffering too the only way this will stop is when Putin dies hopefully sooner rather than later
SW-User
If you are still in Russia do you worry at all about criticizing the current regime in online venues like this?
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